Another Green World

by

Brian Eno

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One my favorite Eno albums, "Another Green World" shows him already on the path to ambient music with about 1/3 of the album devoted to instrumental pieces. In many respects, it's an extension of the work he did on his first two solo albums but the emphasis here is on the more melodic side of things. With Roxy Music's "Stranded" and "Avalon", one of the more atmospheric albums put out by a former member of the band.

The sound is spectacular although you won't hear a huge improvement. Most of the improvements are subtle; it's akin to seeing someone after a facial vs. a facelift. You know that something's different but can't pin it down. The depth of the recording and actual atmosphere of the studio are more readily apparent as are more sonic details.

The damaged track "Everything Merges with the Night" has been repaired in all later editions of this terrific album. Other things that might have improved this set include a booklet with notes on the production of the album, bonus tracks with outtakes (I keep waiting for the singles that Eno released on CD invain it seems) or rough mixes of the album. While I appreciate that Eno wants the album presented as it originally was, it's a pity that we don't know more about the making of the album.

Overall a terrific re-release even. I just wish that it had been packaged with more details about the making of the album.

I know some people for whom this is an all-time favorite. I would have to say AGW is near the top of my list for 70s pop albums, and contains some very strong tracks, especially "Saint Elmo's Fire," with Robert Fripp's beautiful guitar solo. This is a less cynical, more relaxed Eno than say, "Here Come the Warm Jets," and the mood is generally reflective and a little melancholy. You won't find this album on a lot of party tapes, but there are few post-Beatles pop songwriters I'd rather listen to then Eno, and in part because he's more than a songwriter. He's more of an album artist, with the entire album as his medium, rather than any particular song. His work has integrity and imagination, even when it's far from pushing the envelope musically. This is generally very simple music, but it works well and flows well - almost magically at times. I can see how it could be a favorite.